Excavator Terminology

 

Excavator Terminology

Engine - drives pumps through engine transmission. Here, mechanical energy from the engine is converted into hydraulic energy.

Radiator - maintains engine coolant at adequate temperature.

Hydraulic pump - is the heart of the hydraulic system to deliver the oil flow to all circuits.

Control valve - regulates the pressure, flow rate and direction of the oil flow in the hydraulic system.

Traction device - consists of hydraulic motors, reduction gears and sprockets. Left and right side frames are each provided with one traction device, thus allowing back-and-forth movement, pivot turn and counter-rotation turn. On most Hitachi hydraulic excavators, the swing and travel mechanisms are provided with planetary reduction gears. Planetary reduction gear features compact and larger reduction ratio, compared with spur gear.

Rollers - are employed for smooth travel.

Hydraulic oil filter - catches and eliminates contaminants from the oil.

Swing mechanism - functions to convert hydraulic energy into mechanical energy when the oil is fed into the swing motor from the pump. As a result, the swing motor runs to swing the superstructure.

Swing circle - supports and turns the superstructure smoothly.

Center joint - is one type of rotary joints, located at the center of the machine, to connect the hydraulic line on the superstructure to the traction device on the travel mechanism.

Track adjuster - adjusts the tension of the track link in such a manner as to move the front idler back or forth by greasing.

Control levers - are shifted to regulate the control valve spools.

Instrument panel - is strategically arranged for maximum operator efficiency.

Hydraulic oil cooler - maintains the oil at adequate temperature.

Hydraulic tank - serves as both a reservoir and an oil conditioner.

Fuel tank - reserves fuel.